Monday, November 10, 2014

First Draft Frenzy

Thanks so much for all of your kind words in my last post. Dealing with grief is tough, but we're coping. Mostly :)

I'm having a blast with my new NaNo draft. As of October 31st, I didn't have a clue who my characters were or what their story was, but it's flowing!

Writing first drafts is my absolute favourite part of the writing journey. And, as an added bonus, I'm getting better at them. Usually I have a bit more of a foundation to start with. I don't outline, but I generally have a solid idea of who my characters are, what drives them, what's holding them back, and how they need to grow.

I also usually know (in the loosest sense of the word) my ending. Definitely a bonus (for me) of writing romance is I know the end goal before I write a single word. I want my characters to grow enough to be able to trust another person with their heart.

Sounds simple, which is where the internal and external conflicts come into play - and where the fun is to be had!

So, I'm having a fabulous time watching both of my characters work hard to hide their pasts and shield their hearts, knowing it's not going to do them a bit of good in the long run!

What's your favourite thing about the writing stage you're at right now? Are you a first draft fan too? If you're doing NaNo too, I'm jemifraser over there if you want to buddy up!

29 comments:

It was so interesting reading your post today, Jemi. First drafts are the hardest part for me. Even if I think I know where I'm going, looking at the white screen/blank piece of paper in front of me is daunting. But I love editing - taking what I've written and shaping it so it's even better.

Good luck with NaNo! I'm like you...the nice thing about my genre is that I know the bad guy will be caught, just like you know the couple in question will get together. It's nice at least knowing the ending!

The fun of first drafts to me is the rush of ideas to page. When it's going well, it's like running full speed down a hill. I've been keeping tabs on your word count over there and you're kicking my butt--keep it up!

I'm an every draft fan, currently in the editing stages. Hey, you can us that last paragraph as part of your synopsis or a tag line ... both of my characters work hard to hide their pasts and shield their hearts, knowing it's not going to do them a bit of good in the long run!

Hmm ... I was sure I commented on this post. Clearly I have lost my mind!

Yes, I like first drafts too, Jemi. It's the time when a writer is the most excited. Ideas flow and energy is high. Then the editing comes around and it's like wading through mud. Oh well, it's all part of the fun :)

Hi Jemi. Sorry to hear about your sad news. Death is one sure way to lose your writing fire, at least temporarily.I signed up to NaNo, deliberately knowing I wouldn't get anywhere near finished (like you, I'm drowning in first drafts from previous NaNos), but it is a good way to get a story idea onto the page. I din't get time to outline, so I keep stopping to outline...bah!

I wish you well. Whether you finish or not is not the question. You're writing, and that's the important thing.